• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Splash of Taste - Vegetarian Recipes
  • Home
  • Food
    • All Recipes
    • Air Fryer Recipe
    • Appetizers
    • Easy Casseroles
    • Desserts
      • Desserts
      • Cheesecake
      • Cookies
      • Crumble
      • Pies
    • Dips, dressings, & sauces
    • Main Courses
    • Pasta
    • Pizza
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup
    • Under 30 Mins
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegetarian curries
    • Vegan
  • Drinks
    • Cocktails
    • Gin Cocktails
    • Tequila Cocktails
    • Vodka Cocktails
    • Mocktails
  • About Us
Splash of Taste – Vegetarian Recipes

Splash of Taste - Vegetarian Recipes

Easy veggie recipes

  • Home
  • Food
    • All Recipes
    • Air Fryer Recipe
    • Appetizers
    • Easy Casseroles
    • Desserts
      • Desserts
      • Cheesecake
      • Cookies
      • Crumble
      • Pies
    • Dips, dressings, & sauces
    • Main Courses
    • Pasta
    • Pizza
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup
    • Under 30 Mins
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegetarian curries
    • Vegan
  • Drinks
    • Cocktails
    • Gin Cocktails
    • Tequila Cocktails
    • Vodka Cocktails
    • Mocktails
  • About Us
Home / Drinks / Cocktails

Manhattan cocktail

Published August 8, 2022 | Updated October 27, 2022 | By Mandy & Jane

  • Facebook
Jump to Recipe
Manhattan cocktail image for Pinterest.

Sip on the ultimate in sophistication with our Manhattan cocktail recipe, a classic cocktail that never goes out of style. Made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, this drink is perfect for any occasion!

A glass of Manhattan cocktail in a chilled cocktail glass.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!

We love cocktails like a good dirty martini, a whiskey sour, or Long Island iced tea.

But we were in the mood for more classic cocktails and so we got to work on the most fabulous Manhattan cocktail, which we know you’ll love!

Why you’ll love this easy Manhattan recipe

  • It’s a stylish cocktail made with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen!
  • If you love whiskey drinks, then this is perfect for you!
  • The Manhattan classic cocktail is a real crowd pleaser, men and women alike love it.
  • A great cocktail to make ahead and perfect for a party and sipping on a hot summer’s day.
  • All the ingredients are 100% vegetarian.

What ingredients do I need?

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

ingredients needed; angostura bitters, whiskey rye, and sweet vermouth.

The perfect Manhattan cocktail is easier to make than you think, and it looks so stylish with a delicious cherry garnish – you need this at your next party!

How to make a Manhattan cocktail with step by step instructions

Making our Manhattan cocktail recipe is easy if you follow our simple instructions.

A full printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Add a handful of ice cubes to a cocktail mixing glass, then add rye whiskey, Italian vermouth, and bitters.

Adding whiskey rye to a cocktail shaker.
Add whiskey rye to a cocktail shaker.
Adding sweet vermouth to a cocktail shaker.
Add sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters.
Someone pouring Manhattan drink into a cocktail glass.
Stir and pour into a cocktail glass.

Stir for 30 seconds and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with cocktail cherry or a lemon twist.

Serve and enjoy your Manhattan cocktail – cheers!

Freshly poured Manhattan cocktail drink, with bowls of chips and peanuts.

We hope you enjoy making and drinking our classic Manhattan cocktail recipe and would love to hear how you got on with making it.

Please leave a comment below and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Recipe notes and expert tips

  • Chill
    Chill your glass before you use it and your cocktail will stay cooler longer.
  • Cherry juice
    Adding a splash of cherry juice will give your cocktail a stunning dark color.
  • Make ahead
    Make your Manhattan ahead of time, simply mix it, strain it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
  • Maraschino cherries
    We absolutely LOVE Luxardo cherries, but if you don’t have them, use cocktail cherries.

What type of cocktail is a Manhattan?

There are many cocktails that are considered classics, but the Manhattan may just be the king of them all.

A Manhattan is a type of cocktail that is made with whiskey, vermouth, and bitters.

We use a cocktail mixing glass and stir, but some use a cocktail shaker and shake to create a froth.

The drink is usually served in a glass that has been chilled and it is garnished with a maraschino cherry.

There are many different recipes for Manhattans, but the most popular version is made with rye whiskey, which is the whiskey we have used.

What is the difference between a Manhattan and an old fashioned?

When you are ordering a classic cocktail, one of the most common decisions to make is between a Manhattan and an old fashioned.

But what’s the difference between the two?

A classic Manhattan is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

An old fashioned is made with bourbon, sugar, water, and bitters.

The main difference is that Manhattans are stirred with ice and then strained into a glass, while old fashioneds are muddled with sugar and ice and then strained into a glass.

Another difference is that Manhattans typically have a cherry or orange slice as a garnish, while old fashioneds typically have a lemon or orange slice as a garnish.

Three Luzardo cherries on a cocktail pin over a glass of Manhattan cocktail.

Is a Manhattan a martini?

When most people think of a martini, they think of a drink made with gin and dry vermouth.

But there are many variations on the martini, including the Manhattan.

A Manhattan is made with whiskey instead of gin, and it’s often served with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters.

So, is a Manhattan a martini?

The answer is yes, and no.

The classic martini is made with gin, whereas the Manhattan uses whiskey.

However, both drinks are typically served with dry vermouth and are garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.

So, while there may be some debate over whether or not a Manhattan is a true martini, the two drinks share many similarities.

And they’re both delicious cocktails that are perfect for enjoying on a warm summer evening or at a holiday party.

Angostura bitters add complexity

Angostura orange bitters add complexity to cocktails such as the Manhattan.

The orange and spice flavors of the bitters balance the sweetness of the sweet vermouth and whiskey rye, creating a well-rounded drink.

Without angostura, Manhattans would be much simpler and far less interesting!

Manhattan drink with cherries and nuts.

Top Manhattan with a cherry… a Luxardo cherry!

Luxardo cherries, a type of Marasca cherry, are named after the distillery in Italy where they are made.

The Luxardo company has been making these cherries since 1821. They are Luxardo’s most popular product.

The cherries are soaked in alcohol and then allowed to soak in Luxardo’s Maraschino liqueur.

This gives them their delicious and unique flavor.

The liqueur is made from sour Marasca cherries, sugar, and other natural flavors.

Manhattan cocktail variations

The Manhattan is one of those classic cocktails that has many variations, all with their own unique flavor profiles.

A popular variation is the Rob Roy, which uses scotch whiskey in place of rye whisky.

There are also several different types of Manhattans that use bourbon whiskey instead of rye whisky, such as the Kentucky Colonel and the Southern Gentleman.

Using bourbon will give you a sweeter Manhattan.

A Manhattan drink from above, with Marischino cherries.

What glass do you serve a Manhattan cocktail in?

Ask different bartenders and you’ll get different answers.

We’ve used a coupe glass because that’s what we prefer, but you could also use a martini glass, or an old fashioned glass.

We say use whatever glass you prefer!

More easy cocktails for you to try

If you love our perfect Manhattan cocktail, then you should take a look at these!

  • Tequila old fashioned
  • Vodka martini
  • Paloma cocktail
  • Aviator cocktail
  • Classic Margarita
A tequila old fashioned with ice cube and orange peel, angostura bitters by the side.

Tequila old fashioned

Vodka martini in a glass with olives.

Vodka Martini

Paloma cocktail with fresh slice of grapefruit.

Paloma cocktail

Classic margarita in glass.

Margarita recipe

Aviator cocktail in a cocktail glass.

Classic aviation Cocktail Recipe

A glass of Manhattan cocktail with cherries.
Print Share on Facebook Pin Recipe

Manhattan cocktail

This drink is perfect for any occasion! The Manhattan cocktail recipe is a classic that never goes out of style. It's smooth, sophisticated, and always delicious. Plus, it's easy to make, so you'll be able to mix up a batch in no time!
Prep Time5 mins
Total Time5 mins
Servings1
Calories174
Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: American
Author: Jane Chapman
Prevent your screen from going dark

Utensils

Mixing glass.
Mixing glass

Ingredients

  • 1 handful Ice cubes
  • 2 oz Rye whiskey
  • 1 oz Sweet red vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Luxardo cherries to garnish
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Add a handful of ice to a mixing glass and then add rye whiskey, vermouth, and angostura bitters. Stir for 30 seconds
    1 handful Ice cubes, 2 oz Rye whiskey, 1 oz Sweet red vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a luxardo cherry or lemon twist. Serve and enjoy your Manhattan cocktail!
    Luxardo cherries

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.02g | Sodium: 0.1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 0.3g | Calcium: 0.03mg | Iron: 0.01mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, for more tasty inspiration!

Instragram Icon

Did you make this recipe?

We love hearing how you went with ours recipes! Tag us on Instagram at @splash_of_taste_uk

You may also like…

Crispy air fryer mozzarella sticks freshly cooked.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Craving delicious mozzarella sticks but don’t want the added guilt from deep frying them? Try our air fryer mozzarella sticks recipe! This easy version of…

Homemade BBQ sauce with a spoon of it dripping into the jar.

Homemade BBQ sauce recipe

Experience the bold, smoky flavor of our homemade BBQ sauce recipe. Carefully crafted with a blend of spices, our sauce will take your BBQ to…

  • Facebook
mandy and jane

About Mandy

A vegetarian for over 35 years, Mandy has taught herself to be creative in the kitchen. Traveling extensively, Mandy loves learning and adapting vegetarian recipes from across the world. Read more...

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Katherine says

    October 4, 2022 at 1:56 pm

    5 stars
    This is just perfect for my next night in with friends!

    Reply
  2. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    October 4, 2022 at 2:49 pm

    5 stars
    Perfect for the party season and so easy and tasty too. Thanks for this.

    Reply
  3. Andrea says

    October 4, 2022 at 2:57 pm

    5 stars
    This sounds smooth and delicious. Will definitely be trying this out.

    Reply
  4. Gwynn says

    October 4, 2022 at 3:12 pm

    5 stars
    This cocktail was so delicious and the Luxardo cherries added great flavor! I’ll be serving these for the holidays for sure. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Mandy from Splash of Taste says

      October 5, 2022 at 7:13 am

      Really pleased you enjoyed it, we agree, the cherries are SO good!

Primary Sidebar

We’re Mandy and Jane!

We love sharing our vegetarian food and drink recipes with you. If you’re cutting down on meat, going vegetarian or vegan, there’s something delicious to eat and drink for you here
Read More…

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

What’s Popular

Homemade Reese's peanut butter pie slice on a cake slice.

Reese’s pie

A collage of r photos of vegetarian thanksgiving food.

120+ Vegetarian thanksgiving recipes

A slice of lemon pie and a partially eaten pie in a pie dish.

Lemon pie recipe

Someone dishing up a cheesy potato casserole.

Potato casserole

Footer

Splash of Taste

Connect with us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

SEARCH THIS SITE

Categories

  • Air Fryer Recipe
  • Appetizers
  • Baking
  • Bread
  • Breakfast
  • Cakes
  • Cheesecake
  • Christmas
  • Cocktails
  • Cookies
  • Crumble
  • Desserts
  • Dips
  • Dips, dressings, & sauces
  • Dressing
  • Drinks
  • Easy Casseroles
  • Featured Recipes
  • Food
  • Gin Cocktails
  • Gluten Free
  • Holiday Recipes
  • Ingredient substitutions
  • Lunch
  • Main Courses
  • Mocktails
  • Mousse
  • Nibbles
  • Outdoor cooking
  • Pasta
  • Pies
  • Pizza
  • Quick Recipes
  • Recipe collections
  • Sauce
  • Seasoning
  • Side Dishes
  • Soup
  • Tequila Cocktails
  • Thanksgiving
  • Thanksgiving Desserts
  • Thanksgiving Side Dishes
  • Under 30 Minutes
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegetarian curries
  • Vodka Cocktails
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Food
  • Drinks
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Story Archives

Copyright © 2023 · Splash of Taste · Privacy Policy